Summary
Roddy Doyle’s A Star Called Henry marks a departure for the author, venturing into historical fiction while maintaining some themes of urban poverty and tragedy found in earlier works. The novel is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as the Easter Rising of 1916, and introduces Henry Smart, a complex protagonist. This book forms the first part of a proposed trilogy, covering only the first two decades of Henry's tumultuous life.
Henry’s Formative Years
The novel follows the picaresque tradition, chronicling the formative years of its rogue hero, Henry Smart, beginning in 1902. Born to Melody and Henry Smart, a couple ensnared by poverty, Henry is their second son, distinguished by his robust health and good looks, traits that follow him into adolescence. His mother often points out the star she believes represents Henry’s deceased elder brother, but even as he survives, many of his siblings do not, including his cherished younger brother, Victor. Together, after their father abandons the family, they attempt to survive on the streets until tragedy strikes again.
Life on the Streets
During these early years, Henry becomes adept at street survival tactics, teaching Victor skills like thievery and scavenging. Miss O’Shea, a compassionate teacher, briefly helps the boys access education, defying school rules to do so. Their father’s unexpected return during a dangerous moment provides temporary refuge, as he guides them through Dublin’s sewers, a network he knows well from past work as a hitman, providing Henry with both a sense of adventure and a critical survival skill.
The Easter Rising
The narrative progresses to the pivotal Easter Rising of 1916, where Henry joins the Irish Citizen Army. Under the guidance of James Connolly, he learns to fight and read, despite his apathy towards Irish independence. Connolly’s leadership and the fervor of the moment captivate Henry, arousing a passion for the chaos and violence of the rebellion, although his motivations are largely personal and rooted in his own experiences of deprivation.
Reunion and Revolution
At the General Post Office, a site of historic significance, Henry encounters Miss O’Shea again. She has traded teaching for revolutionary activities, though she remains frustrated by the marginalization of women in the movement. Their relationship turns romantic amid the turmoil of the first bombing, marking a significant personal turning point for Henry, even as the Rising ends in military defeat.
Shifting Allegiances
Post-Rising, Henry’s life takes a new trajectory as he moves in with Piano Annie, a woman known for her musical lovemaking. However, Annie’s husband’s return prompts Henry to join the IRA, where he becomes deeply involved in guerilla warfare, recruiting and training young fighters in rural areas. His relationship with Miss O’Shea evolves into marriage, and they commit to revolutionary activities together, accompanied by his father’s wooden leg, a symbol and weapon.
A Quest for Truth
Despite his revolutionary activities, Henry pursues his own quest: unraveling his father’s past. Granny Nash, his sole link to family history, shares information sparingly, revealing his father’s associations with unsavory figures like Alfie Gandon. Henry discovers that his father was merely a pawn in a larger game, manipulated and ultimately disposed of by those in power.
Betrayal and Realization
Henry’s alliances start to crumble as he befriends David Climanis, a seemingly honorable man. When Climanis is executed under dubious claims of espionage, Henry’s disillusionment grows. Further betrayal comes when Ivan, a recruit of Henry’s, exploits his role for personal gain, solidifying Henry’s realization that he has been a mere tool in the machinations of Dublin's power brokers, who use terror to maintain control.
Turning Away from Violence
The civil...
(This entire section contains 859 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
war following the formation of the Irish Free State leads Henry to a turning point. Convinced of the futility of violence, he decides to abandon his daughter and wife, imprisoned for terrorism, and leaves for Liverpool, seeking a new start away from the bloodshed and betrayal.
The Enigmatic Henry Smart
Henry Smart emerges as a compelling figure, navigating his roles as a fighter, lover, and humorist. Despite his violent acts, his generous spirit and honesty endear him to women and friends alike. His efforts to aid soldiers' families and his genuine investment in the cause, despite initial cynicism, highlight a multifaceted personality.
Doyle’s Vivid Portrayal
Doyle’s narrative weaves a vivid tapestry of life among Dublin's poor, capturing the harsh realities and sensory experiences of their existence. His skill in recreating authentic speech adds a layer of realism, though some narrative elements, like Henry's early thoughts, occasionally stretch credulity.
A Reflective Examination
Through Henry’s journey, Doyle critiques the degeneration of the Irish independence movement into a power struggle marked by moral corruption. While some Irish readers may find this portrayal controversial, the novel ultimately suggests that the thirst for power is rooted in human nature rather than historical leadership alone, offering a nuanced perspective on revolutionary ideals and disillusionment.
Suggested Further Reading
For more insights and analysis, consult the following sources:
- Booklist 95 (June 1, 1999): 1741.
- Library Journal 124 (August, 1999): 137.
- New Statesman 128 (September 6, 1999): 54.
- The New York Times Book Review 104 (September 12, 1999): 7.
- Publishers Weekly 246 (July 12, 1999): 70.
- Time 154 (October 4, 1999): 102.